Hosiery and other knit goods and apparatus for and method of producing the same



July 12, 1955 L. P. MILLER ET AL 2,712,744

HosIERY AND OTHER KNIT Goons AND APPARATUS F'OR AND METHOD OF PRODUCING THE SAME Filed May 27, 1955 6 Sheets-Sheet l lv llllllll yIllu I||||\' l. m m.

INVENTORS Louis P MnLLER BY TH EoDoRE FouLK July 12, 1955 L P. M|LLER ET AL 2,712,744

HOSIERY AND OTHER KNIT GOODS AND APPARATUS FOR AND METHOD OF PRODUCING THE SAME Filed May 27, 1953 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTORS LOUIS P MILLER :o BY TH EoDoRE FOULK HH" 11Min In fumi XMK HTTOR/UEV July 12, 1955 L. P. MILLER ET AL 2,712,744

HOSIERY AND OTHER KNIT GOODS AND APPARATUS FOR AND METHOD OF PRODUCING THE SAME F'lled May 27 1955 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTORS Lows P. MILLER BY TH Eoooea FouLK July 12, 1955 L. P. MILLER ET AL 2,712,744

HOsIERY AND OTHER KNIT GOODS AND APPARATUS FOR AND METHOD OF PRODUCTNG THE SAME Flled May 27, 195s L. P. MILLER ET AL D OTHE July 12, 1955 HOSIERY AN R KNIT GOODS AND APPARATUS FOR AND METHOD OF PRODUCING THE SAME Filed May 27, 1953 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 Julyv 12, 1955 L. P. MILLER ET AL 2,712,744 HOSIERY AND OTHER KNIT GOODS AND APPARATUS FOR AND METHOD OF PRODUCING THE SAME Flled May 27, 1955 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 mmv nrw K V. IIIQPsIIIIIIb 5 f U A R E TL` NIIIIMN IIJ, f M @u L m nlu mm .|U. ,www mv NWS? me m u m w mv u@ @wx W E 7 mm @mw @QJ l. M E nn n IIIIIIIIII S D www@ u @v U LnL l l l l I l 1 l :l |o T/ www W @.0

nited States Patent 2,732,744 Patented `luly 12, 1955 ice HOSIERY AND RATUS FR THE SAIWE OTHER MIT GOODS AND AND APP METHOD GF PRODUCING Louis P. Nliller, Plainfield, N. J., and Theodore Fouik,

Flourtown, a.,

assignors to Sanson Hosiery Mills,

Inc., Philadelphia, Pa., a corporation of Delaware Application May 27, 1953, Serial No. 357,692 32 Claims. (Cl. 66-178) This invention relates generally to the manufacture of hosiery and other articles of wearing apparel which are designed to be form-fitting in shape and which are knitted of synthetic thermoplastic yarn, such as nylon and the like, and more part ratus for and meth More specifically, the present invention icularly to improvements in the appaod of producing such articles.

it is among the principal objects of to provide a commercially satisfactory 'apparatus for and method of producing hosiery and other articles which fiber or yarn, such as are knitted of synthetic thermoplastic nylon, and in which the interknitted loops are permanentized into a set form, as described in United States Letters l, 1952, to C. W.

Patent No. 2,591,566, granted April Livingston, so as to utilize to best advantage the inherent superior bending elasticity of such synthetic fibers or yarns.

In the production of full-fashioned hosiery knit of synthetic thermoplastic yarns, such as nylon, which fullfashioned hosiery is characterized by the provision of a rear seam extending longitudinally the full length of the stocking, it has been found desirable to limit the stretching of the interknit manently set form Patent No. 2,591,566 to stocking extending needle lines spaced ted loops of the fabric into their peras set forth in the aforesaid Letters opposed side regions of the respectively coursewise from Wale or to either side of the front fold line of the stocking to wale or needle lines spaced to either side of the rear seam knitted loops which are Wales of the stocking of the rear seam, a are included in the fold line of the stocking, nentized set, but instead as in a conventionally advantage resulting from such relaxation of the interknitted loops in the immediate region of the seam is that the seam is freed of any tendency to become snaky and so pull the stocking out of shape, i. e., into a biased condition. Similarly, region of the front relaxing the interknitted loops in the fold line of the stocking also prevents any tendency of the stocking fabric to become biased in its front region, although the biasing tendency in this frontal region is far less pronounced than in the seam region.

In some cases, the biasing tendency along the front fold line of the stocking is of such little consequence that it may be unnecessary to effect relaxation of the interknitted loops in the region of the front fold line.

Having the foregoing in mind, it will be appreciated that an important objective of the present invention is to provide an apparatus which not only makes possible the economical quantity production of hosiery of the character described 2,591,566, but also in the aforesaid Letters Patent No.

insures the provision in such hosiery,

when made according to full-fashioned specifications, of

rear seams which which do not tend which are sightly an do not deviate from a straight line, to pull the stocking out of shape'and d pleasing in appearance.

Still another and important object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus which is capable of eciently and expeditiously processing at one time and in such manner a batch of knitted hosiery that corresponding predetermined limited portions thereof have their interknitted loops permanently set to an increased Walewise length greater and to a courseWise Width less than the length and Width of the said loops as originally knitted, whereby all of the hosiery in the processed batch have uniformly imparted thereto an increased coursewise elasticity.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for preliminarily imparting to a batch of knitted hosiery a controlled degree of walewise stretch in predeterminedly selected portions of the hosiery and for maintaining said walewise stretch in said batch of hosiery While the same is subsequently subjected to an aqueous medium at a predetermined elevated temperature'sufhcient to permanentize the shape and set of the interknitted loopsof the stretched portions of the hosiery.

Still other objects of the invention are to provide in an apparatus of the character aforesaid means for insuring uniform distribution of the heating medium to the batch of hosiery being processed, means for limiting the stretching operation to certain selected portions of the hosiery nentizing the shape and set of the loops or stitches of the hosiery fabric, and means for eecting ready transfer of the stretched batch of hosiery into and out of an autoclave wherein the hosiery is subjected to action of a suitable heating medium at a temperature sufficiently high and for a period sufficiently long to insure the permanent setting of the interknitted loops in the Walewise stretched portions of the hosiery as Well as the permanent setting of the interknitted loops in the relaxed portions of the hosiery, as, for example, those which are included in the wales or needle lines immediately adjacent either side of the rear seams.

A further and important objective of the present invention is the provision of a knitted stocking, which While produced basically in accordance with the principles of the invention shown and described in the aforesaid Livingston patent, is characterized by the fact that the waleseam, in consequence of which immediate region of the seam is completely relaxed and thereby extends in undeviating straight line condition along the full length of the stocking.

By effecting relaxation of the interknitted loops not only along the rear seam of the stocking, but also along and coursewise contraction of the interknitted loops to the intervening opposite side portions of the knitted stocking, the overall length of the stocking is maintained to a dimension which approximates that of the conventionally produced stocking, the Walewise stretched portions thereof, while in elfect held to the length of the relaxed portions, being bellied to such slight extent -as to be hardly discernible to the eye. It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide a stocking having all of the desirable characteristics of that described in the aforesaid Livingston patent but which in overall length approximates that of a conventionally produced stocking.

Other objects and advantagesof the present invention will appear more fully hereinafter, it being understood that -the invention consists substantially in the combination, construction, location and relative arrange- Ydescribed in detail shown in the accompanying drawings and as` nally ment of the several partsfofthe. acter above described, in the ings and in apparatus ofthe charmethod of producing stockthe construction of the stocking itself, all as in the following specification, as

pointed outin the appended claims.

In the accompanying drawings, which are illustrative of a preferred construction of apparatus for producing stockings and other form-fitting garments knittedV of synthetic thermoplastic yarn, such as nylon, in accord-V ance with the principlesrof the present invention:

Figure 1 is aperspective view apparatus in association with an autoclave wherein the articles are heat-treated to permanentize theV knitted loops of the processed article to their desiredl shape and set;

Figure 2 is a verticalv sectional view as taken along the line 2-2 of'Figure l;

Figure 3 is a` side elevational View of Vthe apparatus showing the upper and lower dies for stretching the knitted article in vertically spaced relation;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the lower die with the articledrolding clamps thereof in opened condition;

Figure 5 is a plan view of the upper diel complemental to that shown in Figure 4, this view beingftaken along the line 5-5 of Figure 3;

Figure 6 is a plan view of the lower die of' Figure 4 but showing the article (hosiery) clamped in position thereon, this view being taken along the line 6-6 of Figure 3; Y

Figure 7 is a longitudinal sectionalviewof the left hand portions of the complemental upper and lower dies of Figure 3, but showingl the' same in nested relation with Vthe articles being processed clamped therebetween;

Figures S, 9 and the nested dies as taken along thelines V8---3, 9--9 and lil-iilof Figure 6; t i

Figure 1l is a transverse sectional view of the nested dies and one ofthe holdingY clamps (for the stocking the line 11-11 of Figure 6;

` Figure 12 is a sectionalview of the nestedl dies and another of the holding clamps (for the'stocking heel) as taken along the line'12--12 of Figure 6;

Figure 13 is a longitudinal sectional View of the cornplemental upper and lower dies, showing the dies in separated relation and a batch of hosiery* to be processed clamped to the lower die;

welt) as taken along Figures 14. and l5v are transverseV sectional views asv taken respectively along the lines li-14 and 15-15 of Figure 13;V

Figure 16. is a top plan view of the lower die with a batch of hosiery clamped thereto Figure 17 is a side elevational Vview of the apparatus of Figure l showing the upper die pressed downwardly against the lower die to stretch the' hosiery disposed between the dies;

Figures 18 and taken respectively of Figure 17;

Figure 20' is a top plan view of the support for the upper die;

Figure 2l is a side elevational view, partly'in section, of the support shownti'n Figure 20;

19 are transverseV sectional viewsY as along the lines 18;-18 and 19-19 Figure 22 is a bottom plan Viewl of the verticallyV movable supporting' platen for the upper'V die assembly; and Y Figure 23 isa sideelevational view, partly in section, of the platen' shown in Figure 22.

Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to Figures 1, 2 and 3 thereof, it will bey observed that the apparatus of the present invention generally coi prises a pair of relatively movable die-supporting platens and 12, both of which are supported in horizontally disposed, parallel relation within an openv framework 13 suitably formed' of structural steel members'including` afpair4 of front end posts' 14+-14 interconnectedA by generally showing theKY l() are transverse sectional views ofY asy shown. in Figure 13',v

j and rigiditied and,

be processed are transversely extending members -16 and a pair of rear end posts 17-17 also interconnected by transversely extending members 18-19. The topmost transverse members 15 and l are interconnected by a longitudinally extending channel member 35 centrally disposed between the opposite side limits or the framework 13. This framework may be otherwise suitably reinforced if desired, may be provided with a work-supporting table 21 disposed at a convenient elevation above the floor.

Secured to and members 16 and 19 areV a pair'of' Vrail-forming angle in*V horizontal alinement with a pair of similar rail-forming members Z2-22 supported in advance of the fore end' of the framework 13 and terminating just short of the entrance into a suitable autoclave 23 within which the articles t0 subjected to the action of a suitable for example, steanrat a temperature for a Vtime suihciently prolonged, setting ofthe knitted fabric intol its The autoclave,V which forms no,v p art heatingV medium, suicientl'yv high, and to insure permanent tiual desired form.

'of the present invention, is internally provided with a pair of rails respectively in continuation of the` rails 2222 and' is of an internal dimension adequatev to receive a work-supporting carriage, to be describedrin de* taii hereinafter, which is shiftable along the aforesaid alined rails from an original position Ywithin the framework 13 into the autoclave and thence back to titsorigiaal position.

The work-supporting carriage, designated generally by the reference numeral 24, is shown. most clearly m F1g- .l ures l, 2, 3 and 17, and comprises a pair of laterally spaced, longitudinally extending, parallel members-` 255-25 suitably interconnected by cross braces 26, each of the members 25-25 being provided with aplurality of. suitably journalled freely revoluble grooved. wheels 27 which ride upon the upper edges of the rails 2l-20.

channel memberV l cut away'at each of Extending across a pair ofy flat plates 28-2Snwhich in turn support a longitudinally extending inverted channel member 29 disposed centrally' between theV wheeled membersV 25-2 this 29 being rigidly secured inposition by angle clips 3()` respectively'welded tothe'. member 2.9y and secured' to the members 25e-25 by bolts 31. lt will be noted' that while theV inverted channel member 29 is ap,- proxirnatelyV coextensive in overall length with that ofV the openk framework 13, the top web of said member is vide swing room for a pair of clamp rods 32-32, secured to a pivot rod 33 extending transversely throughY the opposite side flanges of the channel member 2.9. Se-y Ycured to diagonally oppositeV ends of the invertedV channel member 29 areY a' pair of upstanding indexing pins 34-34, the function of which, together with that of the clamp rods 32-32, will be explained later 1n this speci-- iica'tion. It will be apparent from the foregoing that whileY Y the work-supporting' carriage 24 comprising, in assembly,

' the wheeled rails 225Y and the inverted channel mein-V ber 29, is shiftable in a horizontal plane along the tracks 20-20 and the extensions thereofleading into the auto clave, it. is vertically immovable and thus serves, when held againstv horizontal shifting,` as the. xed' support for the stationary, lower; die assembly/fofV the apparatus;

Referring,y now to the supporting structure for, the' vertically movable upper die assembly,4 the fore and aft'transverse members' 15 and 1'?, of the framework 13 supportthe longitudinally extending channel-shaped member- 35 to which in turn. are secured the upper at padsY 3636 of a pair of lifting jacks 37-37, preferably of theV scissors type. These lifting jacks'are suitablyv interconnected for conjoint operation-by a shaft 38 extending between the operating screws 3,939 of.y the. jacks, the opposite ends of the intervening shaft 33A being respectively; connected ,to'` thejacidopetait-i112,v screws supported by theV lower transverse Vthe top flanges' of' the rails 20-20 arek its oppositev ends, as-at 31a, to pro- Y it will be' noted' that'Y by universal couplings 40-40 of any suitable type. The aft jack 37 is provided with an operating shaft 41 which may be driven manually or by power, as by an electric motor (not shown).

Secured to and carried by the lower at pads 42-42 of the lifting jacks is a longitudinally extending inverted channel member 43, this latter member being in vertically spaced longitudinal alinement with the channel member 29 of the wheeled work-supporting carriage 24 hereinbefore described. As will be apparent, upon rotation in one direction or the other of the operating shaft 41 for the lifting jacks 37-37 the latter conjointly operate `to raise or lower the upper channel member 43 relatively to the bottom channel member 29, without disturbing their parallel relationship.

Removably supported by the relatively movable upper.

channel member 43 is an upwardly presenting channel having a freely projecting tongue 48 adapted to be horizontally projected into the socket 46 aforesaid, The fore end of the top-most channel member 43 is provided in each of its opposite side flanges with a longitudinally extending notch 48a, while the corresponding fore end of the channel member 44 is provided with a cross-bar 49 adapted to be projected edgewise into the notches 4S-48 when the member 44 is shifted'horizontally with respect to the member 43. It will be understood, of

zontally alined as shown conjointly in Figures 21 and 23, the desired assembly being effected when the member 44 is horizontally shifted toward the rear end of the apparatus and their disassembly when the member 44 is withdrawn from the member 43 by movement of the former toward the front end of the apparatus. Normally, such coupling and uncoupling of the channel members 43 and 44 takes place only when the lifting jacks 37-37 are extended, as shown in Figure 17, to present the coacting upper and lower dies (which will be presently described) in operative engagement with one another.

In order to insure vertical registry of the die-supporting members 29 and 44 when the latter is pressed downwardly under the force of the jacks 37-37, the upper member 44 is provided at diagonally opposite corners thereof with apertured brackets ft-5t) designed respectively to receive the indexing pins 34-34 which are secured to corresponding diagonally opposite corners of the lower member 29. These indexing pins and their associated apertured brackets are so located relatively to the channel member 43 as not to interfere with horizontal shifting movement of the member 44 relatively to the member 43 during the operations of coupling and uncoupling said members 43 and 44.

These upper and lower dies are respectively carried by the channel members 29 and 44, the former forming part of the wheeled carriage 24 and the latter part of the jacksupported super-structure. While the upper member 44 (and its associated die) is only capable of vertical movement under the inuence of the upward pull or downward thrust of the jacks 37-37, the lower member 29 y( and its associated die) is only capable of horizontal shifting movement along the tracks which support the wheeled carriage for said lower member 29.

Figures 4 and 5 show the lower and upper die assemblies 51 and 52 which are lower and upper members 29 and 44. Referring first to the lower die assembly 51 of Figure 4, it will be noted that it includes a base plate 53 which is adapted to be secured flatwise to the top surface of the member 29 and which in turn suitably supports a die-plate 54 of predetermined shape and form. As most clearly` appears in Figures 4, 7 to l0 and 13 to 14, this die-plate 54 is corrugated to provide alternating transversely extending ridges 55 and depressions 56, with the ridges projecting substantially above and the depressions projecting substantially below the horizontal plane of the marginally extending at portion 54a ofthe die-plate.

and which in turn suitably supports a die-plate 58 of predetermined shape and form. This die-plate 58 is also corrugated to provide alternating transversely extending ridges 59 and depressions 6) which are respectively generally complemental to those of the lower dieplate 54, the general arrangement being such that the ridges of each die plate nest in the depressions of the other die-plate when the two die-plates are brought together, as shown in Figures 7 to l0. As in the case of the lower die-plate 54, the upper die-plate 58 is also provided with a marginally extending flat portion 53a.

The die-plates 54 and 58 are each externally shaped to conform more or less closely with the general outline shape of the article to be treated in the apparatus of the present invention, which article is shown for purposes of illustration as being a stocking or group of stockings, designated S in Figures 6 to 13. Thus, as most clearly appears in Figures 4, 6 and 16, as well as in Figure 5, the lower die-plate 54 and the upper die-plate 58 are each angularly oiset at corresponding ends thereof in correspondence with the angular offset which the foot of a stocking forms with respect to the leg thereof.

Any suitable means may be e 1ployed for securing the upper and lower die-plates to their respective supporting base plates. Preferably, the die-plates are flanged along their opposite longitudinally extending edges to strengthen and rigidify the same, such ilanges being shown most clearly in Figures 14 and 15. ln order to insure uniform distribution of heat throughout the entire extent of each die-plate, particularly along the at marginal portions thereof, the die-plates are each secured to its supporting base plate through the intervention of hollow members 61 of rectangular cross-section, these members being respectively secured to the side flanges of the dieplates and to the base plates.

As has been previously indicated, the apparatus of the present invention is designed to stretch the knitted fabric of the article undergoing treatment so as to increase the walewise length and decrease the coursewise width of the interknitted loops as compared with the length and width of said loops formed upon the knitting machine and to hold the knitted fabric in its walewise stretched condition while the same is subjected to heat treatment to permanentize the stretched condition of the fabric. The stretching is effected by bringing the corrugated upper and lower die-plates into nested relation while the stocking is held flatwise across the corrugations of the lower die-plate, the stretching being etfected by the upper die-plate as it is pressed downwardly into nested relation with respect to the lower die-plate. Of course, during this operation the opposite ends of the stocking must be held relatively fixed in position so that the desired walewise stretching occurs in that portion of the stocking which extends between its points of iixed securement.

ln order to hold the stocking at its desired points of mimi@ securernent, as, for example, at the top ofthe welt, the tip of the toe and the pocket of the heel, the lower dieplate is provided with three sets of clamps respectively designated 62, 63 and 64. The clamp 62, which is designed to clamp the welt of the stocking to the lower die assembly includes a bottom clamp plate 65 which is mounted immediately adjacent one end of the die-plate 54 with its dat upper surfaceV coplanar with the marginally extending flat portion 54l of the die-plate 54. This plate-65 is preferably supported upon a pair of laterally spaced bars 66-66 suitably secured to the base plate 53. Extending between theV freely extending ends of the bars 66-66 is a pivot rod 67 to which are secured arms @#68, the free ends of which are offset and looselyV carry a top clamping shoe 69. When the arms 62-68 are swung from their position shown in Figure 4 into their positions shown in Figures 6 and 13 the clamping shoe 69 overlies the bottom clamp plate 65 and serves conjoinrtly with the latter to clamp the welt ends of the stockings between the plates 65 and its overlying shoe 69. Adjustably mounted upon each oi the arms 68,-65 is a U-shaped bracket element 7i? which in turn carries a relatively strong coiled compression spring 71 designed to project freely above its supporting bracket when the clamp assembly is swung into its operative position shown in Figures 6, 13 and i6. As the upper die assembly is pressed downwardly by operation of the jacks 37--37 the base plate 57 of the upper die engages the free end of the coil springs 'iL-7l and so resiliently forces the shoe 69 into clamping engagement with coactug plate' of the marginally extending hat portion 54si of the dieplate.V Gperatively associated with the fixed plate 72 is a clamping shoe 73 carried by an oifset portion of an arm 74 pivoted, as at 75, to one side of the plate 7,2.

The arm 74 is generally similar to the arms 6-68 of the welt clamp and is fitted with a slidab'ly adjustable f' bracket element 76 upon which is mounted a freely projecting coiled compression spring 77 having theV same function as the coil Ysprings 7l-7l of the welt clamp. Preferably, in order to provide a sure grip upon the toe part of the stocking which is clamped between the plate Y..

72. and its associated clamping shoe 73', the latter is wrapped with a covering of material having good friction properties, thereby reducing Vthe tendency of the clamped toe part of the stocking from slipping free of the toe clamp when the stocking is subjected to walewise .35'

stretching.

The stock if; heel clamp 64 is generally similar to the toe clamp 63, the dierence between the two being principally in the different orientation of the heel clamp to permity its clamping shoe 78 to be swung into clamping I' engagement with the top surface of a lixed plate 79 extending laterally from one side of the lower die plate. as. in. the welt and toe clamps, the heel Clamp also i11- Clues a pivoted arm Si? upon which is secured a Vslidably adjustable bracket elementi S1 mounting'a freely projecting coiled compression spring 3 2. The heel clamping shoe 73 may also be wrapped, if desired, with a covering of cloth oiother material affording good frictional contact with theV heel portion of the stocking clamped between the extension i9 and its associated clamping shoe 78.

As most clearly appears in Figures 13 to 16, inclusive, the stockingto be stretched in the apparatus of the present invention is initially laid over the lower die-plate in unstretched condition, just suiiicient tension being imparted thereto to free it of wrinkles.V When properly disposed upon the lower die-plate, the welt, ltoe and heel parts of the stocking respectively lie upon the =ixed platesV 65, 72 and 79 of the several lclamping Vunits for subsequent engagement by the clamping shoes 69, 73 and 78 when vthe latter are swung downwardly into their clamping positions shown in Figures 13 and 1-6. Preferably, a group of stockings are stretched at one time, usually about eighteen stockings folded flat and laid upon one another.

lt is important to note that the transverse corrugations in the coacting die plates are all relatively of such dimen- .fion as not to extend across the full width of the stocking. As best appears from an examination of Figures YV14,

Q l5 and 16, the longitudinally extending opposite marginal portions of the stockings S respectively extend beyond'the opposite extremities of the corrugations and lie upon the marginally extending flat portion 54eV of the 'lower die-plate. Thus, the rear edge portion Sa of the stocking, which -in the case of a full-fashioned stocking includes the rear seam thereof, Vextends marginally'beyond one side of the corrugations, while the front edge portion Sb of the stocking, which for-ms what is known in the hosiery industry as the shin fold of the stocking, extends marginally beyond the opposite sideV O the corrugations. The central portion of the stocking (or groupl of stockings) is thus raised somewhat out of its normal horizontal plane to form a transverse arch which extends continuously Vfor substantially the full length of the stocking.

It will be understood, of course, that the initial dis-` position of the stockings upon the lower die-plate is eiected while the upper die-plate is in its elevated position, as .shown in Figure 3. After the stockings have thus been properly laid upon the lower die plate'and the clamps 62, 63 and l6d have been swung into their clamping positions shown 'in Figure 16, the jacks 37-37 are operated Vto lower the upper. die assembly into its position shown in Figure 17. Qf course, during the operatins of raising and lowering the upper die assembly,

and while saidupper die assembly Vis in its elevated posi-y tion shown in `Figure l., the channel member i-4 which supports ythe upper die plate l53 is coupled to and becomes a unit withthe .channel `member 43 which is penna. nently secured' to the lower pads of the lifting jacks 37- .37.

When the upper d ie assembly Vis lowered into its operative position shown in Figure (17, the transverse ridges ofthe upper die-plate A58 nest-.in the complementally shaped. depressions o f the lower die-plate 5 4, while the transverse ridges of the lower die-plate correspondingly nest in the CQmPlemeutally frmed depressions ofthe upper die-plate. ,As the 7corrugated upper and lower` dieplates are thus` brought into meshing relation to engage opposite surfaces of the group ofV stockings'S disposed upon the llower die-plate, the supporting base plate 57 for the upper die assembly enga ges the several opstanding coil springs 71, 77 and $2 of the'welt, toe and heel clamps and` thereby resiliently presses these clamps into firm clamping engagement with the weit, toe and heel parts of the stockings, thus securing the latter against displacement as theV complementally corrugated die-plates are pressed together into their relation shown in 4Figures 7 to 1^2, inclusive. The Vcoil springs 71, 77 and 32 are each normally of such effective length as to 'be engaged by the base plate 57 just prior to engagement of the upper die-plate 58 with the Vstockings extending flatwise across the lower' die-plate 54, thereby insuring positive clamping of the stock in s to the lower die-plate preliminarily to intermeshingof the corrugated dies for walesiredl adjusting the coil spring supporting'brackets longitudinally inv one direction or another-*along the ns which carry' said brackets. In order lto limit the compressive force exerted by the clamps suitable stops 83 may be provided as shown in Figures 3, 7 and 17, said stops being suitably secured in upstanding relation at opposite ends of the support for the lower die assembly. The upper ends of these stops are engaged by the support for the upper die assembly and so limit downward movement of the latter. In order to vary the motion-limiting action of these stops 83, their efective height may be changed by means of shims 84 which may be added to or removed from the top ends of the stops.-

It will be apparent that when the complementally corrugated die-plates are pressed into their nested relation shown in Figures 7 to l2, the portion of the stockings which is disposed between stretched walewise, thereby increasing the walewise length and decreasing the coursewise width of the interknitted loops of the fabric embraced between the-meshed corrugations of the upper and lower plates. The opposite marginal edge portions of the stockings which are respectively embraced between the llat marginal surfaces of the upper and lower die-plates are not longitudinally stretched, these marginal portions of the stocking, namely, that which includes the rear seam of the stocking and that which constitutes the shin fold thereof, being .so relaxed that the interknitted loops thereof have little or no walewise stretch imparted thereto. Consequently, when the stocking is subsequently subjected to heat treatment to permanentize the shape and relative position of all of the several interknitted loops of the stocking considered in its entirety, those interknitted loops which are included in the opposite longitudinally extending marginal portions of the stocking are not appreciably stretched, if at all, and so tend to hold the stocking to approximately the same length as that of a corresponding stocking no part of which was subjected to walewise stretching. The intermediate portion of the stocking is, however, substantially stretched, with the result that the interknitted loops of such intermediate part of the stocking are all of increased walewise length and decreased coursewise width as compared with the length and width of said loops as originally formed upon the knitting machines.

In order to permanentize the set of the interknitted loops of the stocking fabric, including not only the walewise' stretched loops confined within the limited areasubject to the stretching action of the intermeshing corrugations of the die-plate 54 and 58 when the gether as shown in Figures 7 and 17 but also the loops of the relatively relaxed or unstretched portions Sa and' Sb of the stockings as shown in Figures 6 and 16, the upper and lower die assemblies with the stockings clamped therebetween are shifted as a unit from the framework 13 along the tracks 253-29 and 22-22 into the autoclave 23 wherein the stockings are subjected to the action of `a suitable heating medium, for example, steam or heated air at a temperature suliciently high and for a period of time sutliciently prolonged to insure permanent settingof the loops of the stocking fabric into their desired form and shape. of the walewise stretched stockings 13 into the autoclave 23, the upper are releasably locked together by clamp rods 32-32 hereinbefore referred to. These clamp rods are arranged in pairs at opposite ends of the longitu-A dinally extendnf channel member 29 which supports the lower die assembly 51, the paired rods being secured to their pivot shaft 33 as hereinbefore described and each of the rods being provided with an axially adjustable locking member, such as a tubular nut 85, which is threaded upon of its associated clamp rod. The shank por-v adapted to be accommodated from the framework within notches S6 suitably posite ends of the channel member 44 which supports the latter are brought to# In order to expeditiously elect the shiftingv and lower assemblies. means of swingable' provided therefor in the op-y upper die assembly. It will be apparent that when .the clamp rods 32 are swung into position to locate their shanks within the notches 8d of the member 44, the nuts may then be adjusted into position to securely lock the channel member 44 to the channel member 29 and so hold the die assemblies closed together as shown in Figures 7 and 17.

When the upper and lower die assemblies are thus locked together by the clamp rods 32 they become a fixed part of the wheeled carriage 24 and are shiftable with the latter free of the framework 13 along the tracks 20-20 and 22-22 into the autoclave 23. It will be noted that when the upper and lower die assemblies are coupled together as -just described and are so upon the wheeled carriage 24, the wheeled assembly is dis-v engaged from the jack-supported channel member 43 are respectively disengaged from the socket 46 and the` notches 48E-48a of the member 43. free horizontal shifting of the member In order to permit sition within the framework 13, the member 44 being member 43 so that upon elevation of the latter by the jacks 37-37 the upper die from the-lower die therebetween, the clamp rods 32 must be disengaged from the member 44.

. It has been found that stockings processed by the 'apparatus of the present invention and in accordance with the procedure hereinbefore described have a greatly increased coursewise elasticity throughout their full length to thereby better and more neatly fit the leg of the wearer,

sistance to coursewise stretch is materially increased while at the same time they tend constantly to contract the stockingrinto form to snugly fit the wearers leg.

' the procedure is generally the Livingston Patent No. hereinbefore referred to, namely, in that the stocking in the greige is subjected to the stretching operaconventional in the manufacture of stockings knitted of nylon and other such thermoplastic yarns. Normally, the temperature employed for permanentizing the loops of the hosiery which is characterized by the provision of a'rearV seam extending longitudinally the full length of the stocking. By limiting the walewise stretch of the stocking to the portion'ther'eof which terminates Ashort of the rear' 44 relatively tothe-` member 43, it may be desirable, after the channel memof course, applicable to the;V

'Y and' mayl be terialwhich presents a smooth surface which will not snag stretched between the die-plates.

ermee of thefront fold line of the stocking, there is no tendencyY for the stocking fabric to become biased or scalloped in its front region.

thel regions of its ing rear seam and so shin fold and its longitudinally extendconfining the walewise stretchingA of the stocking to only that portion thereof which extends between the shin fold and rear seam regions, the overall lengthofthe 'nished stocking is not appreciably4 increased andV in fact approximates'that of a conventionally pro` duced stocking.

It will be understood, of course, that the complemcmtal-l lylformed corrugations of theV interengagingy die-'plates' 541 die-cast' or stamped of any suitable matl'ie'fabricV of the stocking and which has good heart-ranser properties tov insure quick distribution of' heat' uni-- formly throughout the stocking or stockings clampedand v Where-thestockings are to.l betreated in an autoelaye'having a steam or vaporV atmosphere, it maybe desirable to provide the`v dieeplatesl with aV series of apertures 87 (see Figures 4' to-6') spaced along the corrugated portions thereof in order' to relieve the stockings'- clamped between the die-plates of' any condensation which may form upon withdrawal of the stock ingsfrom the autoclave.

YIt is important to note that in the operation of thev apparatus as just described it is not alwaysnecessary, and in certain instances it may not be desirable', for the" marginal. edges of the stockingsV S to be irnrnevably' clamped betweenl the fiat marginal surf-aces of thev upper and lower plates 514'Vv and 58. Such clamping of` the marginal edges of the stockings is'l effected only where it is desiredto hold the stocking against any substantialV coursewisecontraction, in whichl case the stitch deforma tion isrconned only to that central region or` portion ofthe stockings S which is oppositelyl engaged bythe inter-nesting corrugations of they upperV and lower die plates; It may be that when the stretching force applied bythe interenesting corrugations is so confined' to" thefcentral region of the stockings the interknitted loops oi said region may'have their bight Vportions more or" less squaredy ot instead of. being curved to' a small radius.A However, Whether or not the marginal edges are clamped between the die-plates, the i'nterknitted4 loops engaged between the inter-nested corrugations of. the die-plates are so. changed. from their originally knitted conformationthat when they are subsequently subjected to. heat; to permanently set them to their changed form,

the c oursewise elasticity ofthe stockingiabric is materially increased.

I t will be understood, of course, Ythat the present invention is susceptible votvarious changes.: and modiiicar-4 Also, by relaxing the stocking fabric inofthe fabric tions Whichmay be made from time. to time-.witl`1 out. Y

departing Vfrom the general ,principlesor real spirit thereof,f and it is accordingly intended to claim the same-broadiy, as vwellasYspe'cically,,as indicated in the appended' claims.V Whatis claimedas new and,v useful. is: 1.,.In an. appmatus. for producing, for rrr-fittingY articles) ofiwearing apparel knitted of thermoplasticryarngvmeans? for: supporting the knitted article in. substantially.Y unstretched-condition with its vopposite ends securely held to prevent lengthwise contraction of the article, means.V for imparting tcthe fabric of the article extending betweeny its held ends a Walewise stretch to increase-the Walewise.

lengthand decrease the coursewise width of the inter-- knitted loops of said fabric as compared Withthe length andwidth of said loops formed upon the knitting machine, meansvfor subjecting the article in its. walewise stretched. condition to heat'whereby to permanentize the stretched 'traction thereof,V means knitted. loops ascompared with the 'forA clamping thev posed. parallel. relation andY 12 loops-'tor their Walewise elongated and coursewise con tracted shape'.

2. InA an apparatus for producing form-tting' articles ofwearing. apparel knitted oi'thermoplastic' yarn, means for supporting' the knitted articleY in substantially at,

unstretched condition with its opposite ends held Vsecurely to' prevent lengthwiseV contraction of the article, and means for imparting to the fabric of the article extending between its' held ends a predeterminedly localized stretch to increase in selected areas of said. fabric the walewise length andA decrease the conrsewise width of they interknitted loops as compared with the length and widthof said-loops originally formed upon the knitting machine.

35.. In an` apparatus for producing hosiery knitted of thermoplastic yarn, means for supporting the knitted'v hosieryy in: substantially unstretched, flat condition with. its'v opposite ends held securely to prevent walewise contraction thereof, and means for stretching Walewise only those portions o the hosiery which extend betweenY the shin-foldand rear. seam regions of the hosiery whereby to increasey insaid portions of the hosiery the: walewise'.

length andV decrease the coursevvise width of:` their inter-k knitted' loops ascornparedv Withthe length and width' of thefloops forming. said 'shin-told and rear seam regions of theghosiery.V

4. Inf. an apparatus for producing; hosiery knitted of thermoplastic yar.n. means for supporting the knittedv hosiery in. substantially unstretched, fiat condition with its opposite ends held securely to prevent walewise confor stretching walewise only those portions of the hosiery which. extend between the shin: fold and4 rear seamregions of the hosiery whereby to increase in said portions of the hosiery the walewise length: and decrease the coursewise width of their interlength and width oftheA loops forming said shin-fold and rear seam regions off the hosiery, and means for settingto permanent shape andform' the walewise stretched and coursewise contracted. interknitted. loops. v

5;. In an apparatus for. producing; forrnditting articles of wearing apparel knitted of thermoplastic yarns, a pair of relatively movable dieV assemblies arranged in super: posed parallel relation and respectively provided with complementally formed intermeshing corrugations, means article to one of said die assembliesto support the. same with its main body portion in flattened formA and overlying substantially atwise the corrugations oiitssaid-supportingrdie assembly, and -means'for pressing said die assemblies together whereby to effectintermeshingofV their complementally formedcorrugations and so stretch. the fabric of. the article disposed therebetween.

6,. In an. apparatus for producing form-fitting articles offwearingapparel knitted of thermoplastic yarns, apair of. relativelyy movable die assembliesV arranged in superrespectively provided with formed intermeshing corrugations, means article to one of said die assembliesto support` the same with its main body portion in attened t'o'rrn` and. overlying substantially atwise corrugations of its said-Supporting die assembly, and means for pressing said-.die assemblies together whereby' to eiect intermeshf ing of. their complementallyformed corrugations and so stretchthe fabric of`V the article disposed. therebetween, said complementallyv formed corrugations being ofsuchV sizeV and. conformationV as to stretch only Ypredeterminedly selectedY areasof. theknitted fabric of the article.

7. InV an apparatus for producing form-itting articles of wearing apparel knitted of thermoplastic yarns, a pair of relatively movable die assemblies arranged in super.-

complementallyfor. I clamping the posed parallel relation and respectively provided withl formed intermeshing corrugations, means y its.u said' supporting die assembly, .and means foi-pressing'j said die assemblies together whereby to eect intermeshing of their complementally formed corrugations and so stretch the fabric of the article disposed therebetween, said complementally formed corrugations extending generally transversely of the longitudinal length of the article to be stretched.

8. In an apparatus for producing form-fitting articles wearing apparel knitted of thermoplastic yarns, a pair of relatively movable die assemblies arranged in superposed parallel relation and respectively provided with complementally formed intermeshing corrugations, means for clamping the article to one of said die assemblies to support the same with its main body portion in attened form and overlying substantially atwise corrugations of its said supporting die assembly, and means for pressing said die assemblies together whereby to effect intermeshing of their complementally formed corrugations and so stretch the fabric of the article disposed therebetween, said complementally formed corrugations extending generally transversely of the longitudinal length of the article to be .stretched and being each of an overall eifective length less than the width of the fabric of the articleoverlying the same, whereby upon intermeshing of the complementally formed corrugations of the die assemblies at least one of the longitudinally extending marginal portions of the article is not subjected to stretching.

9. In an apparatus as dened in claim 5 for producing full-fashioned hosiery knitted of thermoplastic yarn and having a longitudinally extending rear seam, wherein the complementally formed corrugations of said die assemblies extend coursewise of the hosiery to be stretched between said assemblies and wherein corresponding ends of said corrugations terminate several Wale lines short of the longitudinally extending rear seam of the hosiery.

l0. In an apparatus as defined in claim 5 for producing hosiery knitted of thermoplastic yarn wherein the complementally formed corrugations of said die assemblies extend coursewise of the hosiery to be stretched between said assemblies and wherein opposite corresponding ends of said corrugations respectively terminate several Wale lines short of the opposite longitudinally extending marginal edges of the hosiery.

ll. ln an apparatus for producing form-fitting articles of wearing apparel knitted of thermoplastic yarn, a pair of relatively movable die members respectively provided with complementally formed intermeshing elements adapted, when intermeshed, to stretch the fabric of an article interposed therebetween, said elements extending generally in a direction transverse to the direction of stretch of the article, means for preliminarily securing opposite ends of the article to corresponding ends of one of said die members for supporting the article in relaxed condition iiatwise across the stretching elements of the supporting die member, and means for pressing said die members together to effect intermeshing ofl their complementally formed elements to thereby stretch the fabric of the article interposed therebetween.

12. in an apparatus for producing form-fitting articles of wearing apparel knitted of thermoplastic yarn, a pair of relatively movable die members respectively provided with complementally formed intermeshing elements adapted, when intermeshed, to stretch the fabric of an article interposed therebetween, said elements extending generally in a direction transverse to the direction of stretch of the article, means for preliminarily securing opposite ends of the article to corresponding ends of one of said die members for supporting the article in relaxed condition atwise across the stretching elements of the supporting die member, means for pressing said die members together to effect intermeshing of their complementally formed elements to thereby stretch the fabric of the article interposed therebetween, and means for subjecting the article stretched between the intermeshed elements of said die members to heat whereby to permanentize the stretched condition thereof.

i gagement with the article by the ing hosiery knitted of complementally formed coursewise dimension less then the coursewise widtlr of the hosiery, whereby marginal portions of the hosiery re main relatively' relaxed and unstretched when the hosiery is oppositely engaged by the intermeshing elementsof the die members. y I

14. InA an apparatus for producing form-tting articles' of Wearing apparel knitted of thermoplastic yarn, a pair of relatively movable die members respectively provided with complementally formed intermeshing elements adapted, when intermeshed, to stretch the fabric of an article interposed therebetween, said elements extending generally in a direction transverse to the direction of stretch of the article, means for preliminarily securing opposite ends of the article to corresponding ends of one of said die members for supporting the article in relaxed condition atwise across the stretching elements of the supporting die member, means for pressing said die members together to effect intermeshing of their complementally formed elements to thereby stretch the fabric of the article interposed therebetween, and means for releasably locking said die members together.

15. In an apparatus for producing form-fitting articles of wearing apparel knitted of thermoplastic yarn, a pair of relatively movable die members respectively provided with complementally formed intermeshing elements adapted, when intermeshed, to stretch the fabric of an article interposed therebetween, said elements extending generally in a direction transverse to the direction of stretch of the article, means for preliminarily securing op'- posite ends of the article to corresponding ends of one of said die members for supporting the articlel in relaxed condition tiatwise across the stretching elements of the supporting die member, means for pressing said die members together to effect intermeshing of their complementally formed elements to thereby stretch the fabric of the article interposed therebetween, means for releasably locking said die members together, and means for transferring the interlocked die members with the stretched' article interposed therebetween as a unitary assembly into a chamber having a heated atmosphere for therein permanentizing the stretched condition of the article.

16. In an apparatus for producing form-itting articles of wearing apparel knitted of thermoplastic yarn, a pair of relatively movable die members respectively provided with complementally formed intemeshing elements adapted, when intermeshed, to stretch the fabric of an article interposed therebetween, said elements extending generally in a direction transverse to the direction of stretch of the article, means for preliminarily securing opposite ends f of the article to corresponding ends of one of said die article in relaxed condition elements of the supporting pressing said die members of their complementally members for supporting the latwise across the stretching die member, and means for together to effect intermeshing.

formed elements to thereby stretch the fabric of the ar` ticle interposed therebetween, said means for preliminarily securing the article in relaxed condition to the supporting die member thereforvincluding a plurality of clamp shoes which are each resiliently pressed into holding enpressure of the die member brought into engagement with the article-supporting die member.

17. In an apparatus for producing form-fitting articles of wearing apparel knitted of thermoplastic yarn, a pair of relatively movable die members nespectively provided with complementally formed intermeshing elements adapted, when intermeshed, to stretch the fabric of an article interposed therebetween, said elements extending generally in a direction transverse to the direction of stretch of the article, means for preliminarily securing opposite ends of the article to Corresponding ends ofl one of said die members for supporting the articles in relaxed condition atwis'e across the stretching elements of the supporting die member, means Vfor pressing said die members together to effect intermeshing of their complementa-Hy formed elements to thereby stretch the fabric ofthe article interposed'therebetween, means for releasably locking said die members together, means for transferring the interlocked die members with the stretched article interposed therebetwen as a unitary assembly into a chamber having a heated atmosphere for therein permanentizing the stretched condition of the article, and meansV for ef-V condition ilatwise across the stretching elements of the supporting die member, means for pressing said die members together to effect intermeshing of their complementally formedV elements to thereby stretch the fabric of the' article interposedV therebetween, means for releasably locking said die members together, means for transferring the interlocked die members with the stretched article interposed therebetween as a unitary assembly into a chamber having a heated atmosphere for therein permanentizing thc stretched condition of the article, and means for eecting disengagement of saidrinterlocked die members f from and their re-engagement with said pressing means upon horizontal shifting movementr of thel toi-mer' rela-v tively to the latter.

19.- ln an apparatus fon-producing. form-iitting articles of wearing apparel knitted of thermoplastic yarn, a pair of relatively movable die members respectively provided with complementally formed intermeshing elements adapted, when'interrneshed, to stretch the fabric of an article interposed therebetween, said elements extending generally in a' direction transverse to the direction of stretch of the article,4 meansv for preliminarily securing. opposite ends ofthe article to corresponding ends of one of said die members for supporting the article in relaxed condition tlatwise acrossr theV stretching elements of the supporting die member, means for pressing said die' members together to eifect intermeshing of their complementally formed elements to thereby stretch the fabric of the article interposed therebetween, means for releasably locking said die members together, and means for transferring the interlockeddie members with the stretched article interposed therebetween as a unitary assembly' into a chamber' having a heated atmosphere for therein permanentizing the stretched condition of the article', said last-mentioned meansi including a wheeled supportingcarriage for the interlockedV die members.Y and tracks upon whichsaid carriage is movable.

20. In anapparatuslfor producing form-fitting articles Y Vofwearing apparel` knitted of thermoplastic yarn, a pairof vrelatively movable die members respectively provided withl complementally formed intermeshing elementsV adapted, when intermeshed, to stretch the fabric of an article interposed therebetween, said elements extending generally in a directiontransverse to the direction of stretch of the article, means for preliminarily securing opposite ends of the articleto corresponding ends of one of said die members for supporting the article in relaxedcondition flatwise across the stretching elements of the support'- ing die' member, and means for pressing said die members together to efiect intermeshing. of their complementally formed elements to thereby stretch-the fabric of'- the article interposedV therebetween, said die members being disposed insubstantially horizontally extending, parallel planes and said pressing means being operative to vertically raise and lower one of said die members relatively to the other. K

2l. A method of producing stockings and other formtting articles knitted of thermoplastic yarn, which comprises supporting the article in attened, relaxed conditionwith its opposite ends securely held to prevent iengthwise contraction thereof, in then imposing a longitudinal` stretching force upon a selected portion of the article fabric to substantiallyA increase the length and decrease the width of' thek interknitted loops of the fabric portion as compared withthe lengthA and width of the interknitted loops of the'remainingportion of the article fabric, and in then permanentizing the slety of all of the interknitted loops of the article by subjectingit to heat.

22.- A method o fv producing hosiery knitted of thermoplastic yar-nwhich comprises supporting the hosiery in Y attened, relaxed condition with its opposite ends securely held to prevent walewise'con'traction thereof, in then irnposing a walewise stretching force upon the hosiery, said stretching force being limited to an area of the hosiery which extends coursewise to lines respectively spaced sev.

eral wales inwardly from the opposite longitudinally ex-` tending marginal edges of the hosiery, to thereby increase the walewise lengthandrdecrease the coursewise width of the interknitted Yloops of said limited area as compared with the walewise length and coursewise width of the interknitted loops" in the marginal portions of the hosiery, and in thereafter subjecting the stretched hosiery to a heating medium sufficiently high and for a period snihcicntly long to permanentize the set of all'of the loops of the hosiery.

23. A- method of producing full-fashioned hosiery knitted of thermoplastic yarn and having a longitudinally extending rear seamwhich comprises initially supporting the hosiery in substantially. dat, relaxed condition with its opposite'ends securely held to prevent walewise contraction thereof, in then imposing a'walewise stretching force upon a limited portion of the hosiery which extends coursewise to wale lines spaced inwardly from opposite sidesV of the longitudinal seam of the hosiery to thereby increase the coursewise elasticity of the stretched portion of the hosiery substantially beyond that ofthe seamed portion thereof, and in thereafter subjecting the hosiery to heat to permanentize the stretched'condition thereof.

2'4. A methodof producing stockings knitted of thermoplastic yarn and having a rear seam etxending longitudinally from the welt to the toe'of the stocking which comprises imposinlgfa walewise stretching force upon all of the stocikngifabric except for a limited portion thereof which includes its seam, and in thereafter subjecting the stocking td heat' to permanentize the set of the interknittedfloopsofthe stretched portion of the stocking to therebyinreasethecoursewise elasticity of the stocking substantially beyond lthat of the seamed portion thereof.

"25. A method of producing stockings knitted of thermoplastic yarn which comprises folding the stocking into ilattened iorrrand holding'it'while in such form in relatively relaxed, smooth condition under just suicient tension to substantially free it of wrinkles, in then imposing a walewise stretching force upon all of the stockingfabric except for those portions thereof vwhich respectively in-A clude the opposite longitudinally extending folded edges ofthestockingand a limited number of Wale lines dise posed immediately adjacent'oppositeV sides of each folded edge, and in thereafter pcrmanentizing the stretched condition of the stocking by Vsubjecting it to heat.

26. A method of producing stockings and other formitting articles of wearing apparel knitted of thermoplastic yarn which comprises holding the article in flattened, relatively relaxed'condition under just suiiicient tension to substantially free it of wrinkles, in then imposing Va walet Y wise stretchingforce uponall oi the stocking fabric except for those portions thereof which respectively include the opposite longitudinally extending folded edges of the article and a limited number of contiguous Wale lines disposed to opposite sides of each folded edge, while simultaneously holding the article throughout its longitudinal extent against coursewise contraction, and in then permanentizing the set of the interknitted loops of the article fabric by subjecting the same to heat.

27. A method of producing stockings knitted of thermoplastic yarn and having a longitudinally extending rear seam which comprises folding the stocking at so that its seam defines the rear fold line thereof and holding the stocking in its flattened condition under just sucient tension to substantially free it of Wrinkles, in then imposing a Walewise stretching force upon all of the stocking fabric except for those limited portions thereof which respectively include front and rear fold lines thereof, and in thereafter permanentizing the set of the interknitted loops of the stocking fabric by subjecting the same to heat.

28. A method of producing stockings knitted of thermoplastic yarn and having a longitudinally extending rear searn which comprises folding the stocking at so that its seam defines the rear fold line thereof and holding the stocking in its flattened condition under just sumcient tension to substantially free it of wrinkles, while holding the stocking against substantial coursewise contraction thereof, in then imposing a walewise stretching force upon all of the stocking fabric except for those limited portions thereof which respectively include front and rear fold lines thereof, and in thereafter permanentizing the set of the interknitted loops of the stocking fabric by subjecting the same to heat.

29. A form-tting article of wearing apparel knitted of heat-settable thermoplastic yarn to provide a main body fabric having interknitted loops arranged in successive courses thereof, adjoining loops in successive course about the opposite sides of the 30. A stocking having a main body portion knitted of heat-settable thermoplastic yarn and comprising interknitted loops arranged in successive courses, said stocking having a longitudinally extending rear seam and being characterized in that adjoining loops in successive courses thereof which form a major portion of the body fabric of the stocking are permanently set to a form and shape substantially different from their form and shape as originally produced upon the knitting machine to thereby increase the coursewise elasticity of the body fabric, the form and shape coursewise about lines respectively spaced a limited number of wales from opposite sides of the stocking seam.

31. A stocking having a main body portion knitted of heat-settable thermoplastic yarn and comprising interknitted loops arranged in successive courses, said stocking having a longitudinally extending rear seam and being width of the originally knitted corresponding loop, the loops so permanently set to increased length and decreased width being restricted only to those which are not conned within the longitudinally extending seamed portion of the stocking.

32. A stocking having a main body portion knitted of heat-settable thermoplastic yarn and comprising interknitted loops arranged in successive courses, said stocking having a longitudinally extending rear seam and being characterized in that adjoining loops in successive courses thereof which form a major portion of the body fabric of the stocking are each permanently set to a Walewise length greater and a coursewise width less than the length and width of the originally knitted corresponding loop, the

No references cited. 

